Congresswoman Bonamici Welcomes Deal to Avert Default and End Governing by Crisis

Washington, D.C.—Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) voted for the Bipartisan Budget Agreement of 2015, which includes a two-year budget agreement and increases the debt limit through March 2017:

“The budget deal achieved by Congressional leadership and the Obama administration is good news for Oregonians. This agreement releases us from the unworkable sequester and promotes a healthy, growing economy. Importantly, it also avoids a national crisis and ensures that we can meet the government’s financial obligations. By preventing harmful cuts to job training, HeadStart, scientific research, and Veterans Affairs, these vital programs can continue their critical work and also plan ahead to meet future needs.

“With a two-year agreement, we have an opportunity to leverage this stability to enter into agreements on long-term transportation and infrastructure projects, launch important new programs, restore grant funding, and recover from the damage caused by the recession. I call on my colleagues to keep up the momentum and take action on finding legislative solutions on other priorities, such as improving our public education system, funding a highway bill that will create new jobs, and securing the financial health of Social Security and Medicare.

“Although I supported today’s agreement, we cannot continue to govern by crisis. Voting for a solution one week ahead of a deadline must not set the standard for legislative victories in the future. I am pleased Congress worked together to find common ground to reach this agreement and I will continue to advocate for more certainty for our families and small businesses in the future.”